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HVAC Contractors in Corpus Christi, TX, Share Ways to Identify a Refrigerant Leak

Corpus Christi, United States - April 26, 2024 / Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating /

How to Tell if the AC Is Leaking Refrigerant

An air conditioning system has many components that all work together to cool the home and keep it comfortable. However, each component and mechanism needs to work properly for the AC to work well and efficiently. If there is a refrigerant leak from the air conditioner, this can lead to cooling issues and inefficiency that raise energy bills. This post will share ways homeowners can be alerted to a refrigerant leak, indicating that refrigerant leak repair is needed.

Frost on the Coils

frozen evaporator coils Evaporator and condenser coils work together with refrigerant in the AC system to keep indoor temperatures cool and comfortable. However, if there is not enough refrigerant in the coils due to a leak, frost can form on evaporator coils, or frozen evaporator coils can occur.

Some other common causes of frozen evaporator coils are a clogged or dirty air filter that blocks airflow and a dirty evaporator coil. So if homeowners notice a frozen evaporator coil and their AC filter isn’t clogged, it’s likely due to dirty evaporator coils or a refrigerant leak, both of which professionals can solve.

Issues Cooling the Home

An AC refrigerant leak is not always noticeable as soon as it occurs. Sometimes, indoor temperatures will gradually increase, and air will come out of the home’s vents warmer than it should. This is because refrigerant is very important to the cooling process.

Another way refrigerant leaks can affect the AC unit's ability to cool the home is by causing the cooling cycles to become longer to compensate for the loss of refrigerant. When the air conditioner's cooling cycles are longer, the unit is working harder, and energy bills can increase.

Strange Sounds

When air conditioning systems make unusual sounds, it can also point to a problem. Another sign of AC refrigerant leaks is unusual sounds from the AC, such as gurgling, hissing, whistling, or bubbling. If strange sounds are heard from the air conditioner, a technician should be called to inspect the system and determine the problem.

When an air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, professionals can locate and fix the leak and then add more refrigerant to the system. Refrigerants are dangerous, so they should only be handled by HVAC technicians. Once the repair is complete and refrigerant is put in the system, the problems due to low refrigerant levels should be stopped, and comfort and efficiency should be restored.

About Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating

Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating is a family-owned company serving the Corpus Christi area. They offer straightforward pricing, prompt service, and thorough cleanup. Call them for AC refrigerant leak repair services in Corpus Christi, TX.